ENHYPEN’s Sunghoon has officially been selected as a torchbearer for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics—an update that instantly lit up both K-pop timelines and sports headlines. Belift Lab confirmed the news on January 24, 2026, adding that his selection came after a recommendation from Samsung Electronics, an official Olympic sponsor.
For ENGENEs, it’s the kind of “full circle” moment that actually feels real: an idol who grew up in winter sports stepping into one of the Olympics’ most symbolic roles.
What’s confirmed so far (and what isn’t)
What’s confirmed is simple: Sunghoon will take part in the torch relay connected to Milano Cortina 2026. But Belift Lab hasn’t shared the route, date, or where his run will happen, and reports also say details like the location and time haven’t been disclosed yet.
So if you’re seeing specific claims about a city stop or exact schedule, treat them as rumors unless they’re repeated by Olympic organizers or the agency.
Sunghoon’s quote: “fulfilling an Olympic dream”
“It feels like a dream come true… I’m delighted and honored to be part of the torch relay,” Sunghoon shared, describing the moment as fulfilling an Olympic dream.
And his comment hits a little harder because this isn’t a random celebrity booking. He’s someone who trained for years in a sport built around nerves, precision, and performing under pressure—skills that translate more than people think.
From rink to stage: the backstory that makes this symbolic
Before debuting with ENHYPEN, Sunghoon was a former reserve member of South Korea’s national figure skating team. That history has always followed him, from variety show anecdotes to fan observations. They often point out how “athlete Sunghoon” still shows up in his posture and discipline.
Olympic-related roles already on his résumé
This torchbearer news also comes after his appointment as a Korean Sport & Olympic Committee (KSOC) promotional ambassador on May 16, 2025.In that role, he’s been positioned to help raise interest in the Winter Games. So this next step feels like a natural extension, not a surprise pivot.
ENHYPEN’s momentum adds extra spotlight
The timing doesn’t hurt, either. ENHYPEN is coming off a huge week, with 2.07 million copies sold in the first week of their latest release. Sunghoon’s torch relay appearance could put Milano Cortina 2026 in front of a younger, global audience. These fans follow the group closely and are likely to bring significant international attention to the games.
Real-time reactions and what to watch next
- Fans have been posting proud “full circle” reactions, tying his skater past to his current idol peak.
- The next updates to watch include the official relay route and his date and location. Another key point is whether his KSOC ambassador role leads to more Olympic-related appearances.
Still, even without the fine print, the headline stands. Sunghoon is headed back to the world of winter sports—this time with the Olympic flame.
